Episode 358: Sitting Like Our Ancestors: The Key to Musculoskeletal Well-Being

Have you ever considered the benefits of sitting on the floor instead of in a chair? In my Fitness Friday episode of The Habits and Hustle podcast, I explore this fascinating topic with my guest, Aaron Alexander, an expert on functional movement and health.

Spending time on the ground, as many healthy cultures around the world do, can have a profound impact on your musculoskeletal well-being, digestion, and circulation. Aaron explains that sitting on the floor helps to heal the joints, bring new fluids to the joints, circulate lymphatic fluid, and improve digestion by keeping your legs closer to your vital organs.

You'll also discover the concept of "neat" (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) and how incorporating more movement into your daily life can lead to significant health improvements.

Aaron Alexander is a Movement Coach, Creator of the Align Method, Author, and Podcast Host.

What we discuss:

• The benefits of sitting on the floor compared to sitting in a chair
• Low incidence of osteoarthritis in cultures that spend more time on the ground
• Improved digestion when sitting on the floor
• Better circulation and lymphatic fluid movement when sitting on the ground
• The concept of NEAT and its importance for health
• The dangers of outsourcing mechanical efficiency to devices like chairs
• The importance of wiggling and moving while sitting, whether on the floor or in a chair
• The ideal position for the spine and hips when sitting on the ground

Thank you to our sponsor:

Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off

Sleep Me: use code sleepbetter at www.sleep.me/habitsandhustle

To learn more about Aaron Alexander:

Aaron's Podcast - https://www.alignpodcast.com/

Aaron's Instagram - @aaronalexander

Find more from Jen:

Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/

Instagram: @therealjencohen

Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books

Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements

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